Well tester with retrievable valve assembly



June 22, 1965 D. L. FARLEY WELL TESTER WITH RETRIEVABLE VALVE ASSEMBLY Filed April 24 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. any/0 .4. @4245/ June 22, 1965 D. L. FARLEY 3,190,360

WELL TESTER WITH RETRIEVABLE VALVE ASSEMBLY Filed April 24 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 2' June 22, 1965 D. L. FARLEY 3,190,360

WELL TESTER WITH RETRIEVABLE VALVE ASSEMBLY Filed April 24, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. 041 0 4. A281. 5

June 22, 1965 D. L. FARLEY 3,190,360

WELL TESTER WITH RETRIEVABLE VALVE ASSEMBLY Filed April 24 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. 04 W0 4. 42.45)

United States Patent 3,190,360 WELL TESTER WITH RETRIEVABLE VALVE ASSEMBLY David L. Farley, Duncan, Okla, assignor to Halliburton Company, Duncan, 02th., a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 24, 1962, Ser. No. 18?,822 20 Claims. (Cl. 166-226) This invention relates to the testing of wells and is particularly directed to improvements over the device disclosed in the Green and Schwegman Patent No. 2,806,539. In that patent there is disclosed a well tester mounted on a well pipe and used in connection with a packer and an equalizing valve. The apparatus is used to make a test of the formation and thereafter perform such operations as treating, squeeze cementing, perforating, or further testing operations, all without removing the well pipe from the well. This is accomplished by incorporating into the device a tester valve assembly which may be removed from the remainder of the device and withdrawn upward through the well pipe, leaving an unobstructed opening through the well pipe, tester device, equalizing valve and packer for further and additional Operations. Such apparatus makes it possible to eliminate the usual operations of withdrawing the well pipe from the well and reinserting it to perform such additional operations.

In the apparatus of the present invention there is re tained the advantageous feature of eliminating the requirement of removal and reinsertion of the well pipe in order to perform additional operations after making a test. Also, additional features of operation are contemplated by the present invention. Thus, an important object of this invention is to provide a well tester device of the type described above and in which the tester valve parts may be closed merely by raising the well pipe. In some locations rotation of the well pipe is undesirable as a means for closing the tester valve parts, particularly where high surface pressures are encountered. If the packer should not hold when the tester valve opens, or if the bypass through the equalizer valve should fail to close, or if excessive surface pressureexists, the tester valve parts can be closed immediately by lifting up on the well pipe.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a well tester device of the type described above which also contains a reverse circulating valve which can be opened with the tester valve closed, thereby isolating the formation while reverse circulation occurs to convey the formation fluid from the well. This makes it possible to have the well pipe full of drilling fluid before the tester valve assembly is removed. Formation fluid cannot flow into the well pipe while thus circulating and there is no possibility of pumping other fluids into the formation during this operation. If the testing valve parts should be fouled with sand, the well pipe need not be pulled to the surface with oil or gas inside. Also, reverse circulation takes place with as much weight on the packer as desired.

Another feature of this invention is that the tester valve parts can be opened and closed as many times as desired. This makes it possible to take multiple closedin pressures and test more than one zone if desired.

Still another feature of this invention is that closed-in pressure can be recorded while fluid recovery is being reverse circulated, if this procedure is desirable. Reverse circulation is established only if it is desired since as many closed-in-pressures as needed can be recorded without circulating. Reverse circulating while recording closedin-pressure help prevent any settlement of material on the tester valve parts which might tend to hinder its axial removal when desired.

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Other desirable features of the present invention are that the tester assembly can be operated by pump pres-- sure without the use of any additional equipment such as, for example, a tubing plug. Moreover, the well pipe can be pressure tested by pumping against the tester valve assembly while it is in operative position. Also, the retrievable valve assembly cannot be released from position by any other procedure than by the rotation of the well pipe, and this serves to minimize the possibility of premature release.

Briefly stated, the tester device consists essentially of two sliding valves. The circulating valve is near the upper end of the device and the tester valve is near the lower end. The amount of telescoping travel in the parts of the device determines which of the valves will be open, and this telescoping travel is controlled by a I-slot and lug mechanism. The circulating valve provides communication between the inside of the Well pipe and the outside thereof. The tester valve controls entry of formation fluid into the lower end of the well pipe. In any given position of the telescoping parts of the device, only one valve is open or both valves are closed.

Considered from a structural standpoint, the device is composed of two assemblies, (a) a housing and retainer case assembly, and (b) a unitary valve assembly. The housing is connected to the well pipe and the retainer case is telescopically mounted on the housing and extends therebelow. The unitary valve assembly is adapted to travel through the interior of the well pipe and to seat within the housing. This unitary valve assembly has two outer parts, an upper part or sleeve and a lower part or valve body connected end to end and capable of relative rotary movement. The valve assembly also includes a sectional hollow mandrel movable axially with respect to the sleeve and valve body. The mandrel includes a tubu lar valve plunger which forms a sliding seal Within the alve body. The valve body forms a sliding seal within the retainer case. Ports are provided on the valve plunger, valve body and a portion of the retainer case, and when these three ports are in registry flow of formation fluid is permitted into the interior of the well pipe. The ports may be brought into registry by lowering the well pipe, and may be moved out of registry by lifting of the well pipe at any time. Rotation of the well pipe serves to lift the valve plunger and to release the unitary valve assembly from its operative position.

Other and more detailed objects and advantages will appear hereinafter.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a sectional elevation of a well bore showing the use of apparatus embodying this invention in connection with a well pipe, an equalizing valve and a packer.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional elevation in diagrammatic form showing a preferred form of this invention, the parts being in position for going into the hole.

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 2, the parts being in position for making a formation test.

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 2, showing the parts in position for reverse circulating, the formation being closed in.

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 2, the parts being shown in position at the time of releasing the latching lugs which secure the retrievable valve assembly in position.

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 showing the retrievable valve assembly being lifted out of the housing and retainer case.

FIGURE 7, shows the shape of the J-slots connecting the mandrel stem to the sleeve, and is taken on lines 7-7 as shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURES 8, 9 and 10 show positions of the lug in the J-slot assembly connecting the housingand the retainer case. FIGURE 8 is taken on lines 88 as shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURES -l l, 12 and 13 are transverse sectional .views taken on lines '1111, 1212 and 13-13, respectively, as shown in FIGUREZ.

Referring to the drawings, the well pipe 10' which may comprise sections of tubing connected end to. end extends into the well bore 11 which may be casedor uncas'ed. The well tester device generally designated 12 is carried at the lower end of the well pipe 10. A coupling pipe 13 connectsthe well tester device 12 to-the equalizing valve 14 in the expandible packer 15. The construction and operation of the equalizing valve. 14 and. the expandible packer 15 are conventional. I r p The housing 16 is tubular in form and is connectedto the well pipe by means of a threaded coupling 17. Telescopically mounted on the housing is a retainer case .18 and the lower end of this retainer case is connected to A J-slot and lug connection generally designated 26 is provided between the housing 16 and the retainer case 18. Lugs 27 on the retainer ease 18 extend into J-s1ots 28 provided on the-tubular member 29. This member 29 51 initially engage the reduced diameter portion 55 and are caused to travel outward on the taper surface 56 of the setting mandrel 52 by axial movement of the setting 'rnandrel 52 with respect to the sleeve 38. The dogs 51 are urged in an upward direction by means of the retainer collar 5'7 and the coil spring 58. The axial movement is accomplished by means of the stem 59 which is slidably mounted within the upperend of the sleeve 38 and which contains a flow bean 6'1 and is provided with an inverted encircles a portion of the housing 16 and isconnected by keys 30 to turn with the housing. The member 29 is supported onthe housing 16 and in turn support a coil compression spring 31 and a thrust bearing assembly'32 which engages the housing, shoulder 33. From this dej scription it will be understood that when the retainer case the compression spring 31 to compress-solid. This movesthe keys 3t) downward out of contact with themember 29, thereby permitting free rotation of the housing 16 on the thrust bearing member32.

cup 62 of resilient material.

'Axially extending lugs 63 are provided on the interior of the retainer case 18 above the location of the shell 23 and these lugs 63 are. engaged by the blocks 440m the valve body to prevent rotation of the: valve body within the retainer case. The sleeve 38, however, moves axially and turns with the housing'16. v

7 Means are provided for causing axial movement of the valve plunger 47 relative to thevalve body 48 uponrotary movement of the housing 16. As shown in the drawings thismeans includes a control screw64 secured to' or forming part of the valve plunger .47.. and engaged by a rotary nut65. v The nut 65 is provided with external splines 66 engaging within axially extending internal splines 67 provided on the sleeve'38. Rotation of the housing 16 causes the parts 54 and 51 to rotate the sleeve 38, and this causes the splines 67 and 66 to rotate the nut 65. The control screw 64 does not turn relative to the sleeve 38 because thekeys 68011 the upper end of the valve body 40 engage keyways 69 provided in the valve plunger 47'or control The retrievable valvej'assembly'generally designated 37 is proportioned so that it-may pass through the interior of the well pipe 10. This valve assembly 37 includes a tubular sleeve 38 which forms a sliding seal within the bore 39 of the housing 16. The valve assembly also includes the valve body 40 which forms asliding seal with the bore 24 in the shell 23. A swivel connection 41 joins the body 40 slidably engage the inner surface 45 on the retainer case 18.

The retrievable valve assembly 37 also includes a hollcw'sectional mandrel generally designated 46, This mandrel 46 includes the tubular valve plunger 47 which is slidably mounted within the bore 48 of the valve body screw 64. .Rotation of, the nut 65 relative to the nonrotary control; screw 64 therefore causes axial movement of the valve plunger 47 with respect tothe valvebody 40. 1 Prior to installation of the retrievable valve assembly 37 into thehousing '16 and retainer case 18, the valve plunger 47 is' in a'raised position with respect to the valve body 40 so that the lateral ports are above and out of registry with the lateral. ports 49. The keys 68 are in the lower portions of the keyways 69. The snap ring 70 encirclesthe outer surface 71 of the nut member 65 and is expanded'radially into its recess 72 on the sleeve '38. The nut-65' is positioned at the upper. end of the splines 67. -Accor-dingly, the tester'ports 49 and 50 remain misaligned .until the valve assembly 37 is installed in place within the housing 16 and retainer case 18. This installation may be accomplished manually at the surface of the Welland in such case the retrievable valve assemi bly '37 and the housing 16 and retainer case 18 are lowered 40; The valve body 40 has lateral ports 49 which may 7 be brought into registry with lateral ports 50 on the valve plunger 47 and with the lateral ports 25 on the shell 23.

All three ports 25; 49 and 50' must be in registry in order for formation fluid to pass upward from the-lower end of the retainer case 18 into the lower end of the valve into the well bore as a unit on the lower end of the well pipe 10, as shown in FIGURE 2.. However, the retrievable valve assembly 37 may also be installed in position within the housing 16 and retainer case 18 by pumping it down the interior of the well pipe 10, causing it to latch automatically in place. The retrievable valve assembly 37 may also be installedwith the aid of conventional wire line equipment employing a sinker bar (not shown). In any event, when the'sleeve 38 comes to rest within the housing 16. with the blocks 42 restingon the seat 43', down- :ward movement of the stem 59 serves to depress the setting mandrel 52 toactivatethedogs 51 and to lower the Relative rotary movement is permitted however and the parts are sealed against leakage therebetween.

A J-slot' and lug mechanism generally designated 74 is provided on the stem 59 and sleeve 38 to limit movement of the stem 59 after it has been used to latch the retrievable valve assembly into place within the housing 16. The lugs 75 on the sleeve 38 extend into the J-slot groove 76 provided on the outer surface of the stem 59.

Assuming that the parts are in the position shown in FIGURE 2 at the end of the operaton of going in the hole, the equalizing valve 14 is closed and the packer 15 is expanded into sealing contact. This is accomplished in a conventional manner such as, for example, by turning the well pipe to the right and setting down to apply weight thereto. This turning movement and downward force on the housing 16 brings the lugs 27 against the ends 34 of the J-slots 28. Additional weight applied through the well pipe 10 causes the housing 16 to move downward for an additional distance to align the valve body ports 49 with the ports in the shell 23 of the stationary retainer case 18. Well fluid from the formation then passes upward through the packer 15, the equalizing valve 14, and into the space 79 Within the retainer case 18 below the housing 16. The well fluid then passes through the aligned tester ports 25, 49 and 50 and into the axial passage 80 which extends through the various parts of the hollow sectional mandrel 46. The well fluid passes through the bean 61 and upward through the well pipe 10 to the surface.

The tester valve may be closed at any time by simply raising the well pipe 10. This serves to lift the housing 16 and thereby raise the sleeve 38 and valve body 40 to move the ports 49 out of registry with the ports 25. The tester valve may thus be opened and closed as many times as necessary by lowering and raising the well pipe 10.

To accomplish reverse circulation while the formation is closed in under pressure, the well pipe 10 is lifted to close the testing valve and lefthand torque is applied while slacking off weight on the well pipe, in order to obtain maximum travel of the lug 27 within the J-slot 28 on member 29. The lugs 27 then rest against the end portions 81 of the J-slots 2S and this brings the housing ports 82 into registry with the ports 83 in the retainer case 18. Fluid may then be pumped down the annular space 84 between the well pipe 10 and the well bore 11 and this fluid passes through the aligned ports 83 and 82 (FIG- URE 4) and returns to the surface through the interior of the well pipe 10.

A conventional pressure recorder device 85 may be attached to the lower end of the valve body 40.

When it is desired to return the retrievable valve assembly 37 to the surface through the interior of the well pipe 10, without removing the well pipe 10 from the well bore 11, the well pipe 10 is lowered if necessary to place suflicient weight on the housing 16 and thereby compress the spring 31 sufliciently to enable the lugs or keys to move downward and out of contact with the member 29, thereby freeing the housing 16 for rotation within the retainer case 18. The Well pipe 10 is then rotated to the right and this causes the sleeve 38 to turn and to turn the nut 65 with it. The control screw 64 is prevented from turning by reason of keys 68 and because of the engagement of the blocks 44 with the axial lugs 63 within the retainer case 18. Accordingly the control screw 64 moves upward, thereby moving the valve plunger 47 upward with respect to the valve body and bringing the ports 50 out of registry with the ports 49. The tester valve is then closed. Continued rotation of the housing 16 moves the control screw 64 and valve plunger 47 upward to the extent that the setting mandrel 52 is lifted and releases the dogs 51. The well pipe 10 may then be lifted and manipulated to open the equalizer valve 14 to permit fluid under pressure to be pumped down the annular space 84 through the equalizer valve 14 and up through the coupling pipe 13 into the lower end of the retainer case 18. This raises the valve assembly 37 as a unit and permits the dogs 51 to be retracted against the smaller diameter 55 of the setting mandrel 52. The inverted cup 62 of resilient material assists in preventing leakage of fluid past the retrievable valve assembly 37 as it is pumped upward through the interior of the well pipe 10 to the surface.

A substantially unrestricted passage is then provided through the interior of the housing 16 and retainer case 18 through which well treating operations such as perforating, fracturing, acidizing, etc. may be performed.

When another well test is to be made, the retrievable valve assembly 37 is reinserted into the interior of the well pipe 10 at the surface of the well and is pumped down into position within the housing 16. During the descending movement of the retrievable valve assembly 37 the ports 50 in the valve plunger 47 are misaligned with the ports 49 in the valve body 40, thereby avoiding a bypass through the interior of the assembly 37 while it is being pumped into position. When the blocks 42 come to rest upon the housing seat 43, pump pressure Within the well pipe and above the stem 57 causes the stem to move downward against the setting mandrel 52 to move the dogs 51 into latching position and to move the nut 65 downward along the spline 67 to permit the snap ring 72 to engage above the shoulder 73. This same downward movement of the valve plunger 47 with respect to the valve body 40 brings the ports 50 and 49 into registry.

In the event that it should be desired to remove the retrievable valve 37 from the housing 16 by means of a wire line device instead of by pumping it to the surface as described above, means are provided to open a bypass through the assembly 37 so that fluid within the well pipe 10 and above the assembly 37 need not be lifted with the valve assembly 37. FIGURE 6 shows the parts in position when a conventional grapple is used on a wire line to lift the valve assembly from the housing. If the valve assembly were being lifted by fluid under pressure, the ports 83 would be positioned below ports 82 in a closed position, and the equalizer valve 14 shown in FIGURE 1 would be open. As shown in the drawings a pressure release valve sleeve 86 encircles the lower portion of the valve body 40 and normally serves to close the relief port 87 in the valve body 40 below the testing ports 49. A coil spring 88 holds the valve sleeve 86 in closed position. The dogs 51 are released by rotating the housing 16, as described above. The coupling part 60 at the upper end of the stem 59 is then engaged by a grapple on the end of a wire line (not shown), and lifted to the surface. The lower end 89 of the valve plunger 47 lies above the position of the relief ports 87. Fluid in the well pipe 10 above the retrievable valve assembly 37 may then pass downward through the central passage in the parts 57, 52 and 47 and pass outward through the relief ports 87.

If the retrievable valve assembly 37 is always to be reinserted and retrieved by means of a wire line and grapple, instead of by fluid pressure, then the pressure relief valve sleeve 86 and the coil spring 88 may be eliminated, and the length of the valve plunger 47 below the ports 50 may be reduced. A bypass is thus provided through the assembly 37 whenever the valve plunger 47 and control screw 64 have been raised to maximum extent to release the holding dogs 51. The relief port 87 is thus closed by the lower end of the plunger during testing operations, and the relief port 87 is open whenever the valve assembly 37 is being reinserted or retrieved with a wire line device.

Having fully described my invention, it is to be understood that I am not to be limited to the details herein set forth but that my invention is of the full scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A well tester comprising, in combination: a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, the retainer case including a portion having a central bore and provided with a lateral port, a valve assembly including a tubular body slidably mounted in said bore and provided with a lateral port,

said valve assembly also including a tubular plunger slidably mounted within said valve body and provided with a lateral port, the valve body and valve plunger being axially movable with respect to said retainer case to bring said three lateral ports into registry 'to permit flow of fluid from within the retainer case below the housing through said lateral ports and through the interior of said valve plunger, means establishing communication from the interior of said valve plunger into the well pipe, means including a sleeve connecting said valve body for axial movement with said housing, and means including thread means for moving said valve plunger axially relative to said valve body in response to rotary movement of said sleeve. 7 t I 2. A well tester comprising, in combination: a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, the retainer case. including a portion having acentral bore and provided with a lateral 7 port, a valveassembly adapted to pass through the well pipe, said valve assembly including a tubular body slidably mounted in said bore and provided with a lateral port, said valve assembly also including a tubular plunger slidably mounted within said valve body and provided with a lateral port, the valve body and valve plungerbeing axially movable with respect to said retainer case to bring said three lateral ports into registry to permit flow of fluid from within the retainer case below the housing through means for moving said valve plunger axially relative to said valve body in response to rotary movement of said sleeve, and means whereby said housing may rotate said sleeve. o n

3. A well tester comprising, in combination: a housing adapted to be connected to a wellpipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, the retainer case including a shell having a central bore and provided with a lateral port, a valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a tubular body slidably mounted in said shell bore and provided with a lateral port, said valve assembly also including a tubular plunger slidably mounted 1 within said-valve body and provided with a lateral port, the valve body and valve plunger being axially movable with respect to said shell to bring said lateral ports; in said shell, valve body and valve plunger into registry to permit flow of fluid from within the retainer case'below the housing thr-oughsaid lateralports and through the interior of said valve plunger, means establishing communication from the interior of said valve plunger into the well pipe, means including a sleeve connecting said valve body for axial movement with said housing, means including thread means for moving said valve plunger axially relative to said valve body in response to rotary movement of said sleeve, and means whereby said housing may rotate said sleeve.

said lateral ports and through the interior of said valve plunger, means establishing communication from the interior of said valve plunger into the well pipe, means connecting said valve body for axial movement with said housing and means including a screw and nut for moving said valve plunger axially in response to rotary movement ofsaidhousing. V t t 5. A well tester comprising, in combination: a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the. housing, the retainer case having a portion provided with an axial bore", selectively operable meansnormally preventing but operable to permit axial movement and rotation of said housing relative to said retainer case, a valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe, saidvalve .assembly including a body and a co-axia-l sleeve connected for relative rotary movement, the body being slidably received in said axial bore, releasable means for securing said sleeve to said housing, means for holding said body from turning relative to said retainercase, said valve assembly also having a tubular .valve plunger forming a sliding seal within said valve body,

axial movement of said housing serving to move said valve body axially with respect tosaid retainer case bore, said valve body and said valve plunger and said retainer case borehaving lateral ports alignable and disaligna-ble by axial movement for controlling flow of fluid from the interior of said retainer 'case below said housing to the interior of said valve plunger, and means whereby turning move- 4. A well tester comprising, in combinationza hous- H ing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, the retainer case including a shell having a central bore and provided'wtih a lateral port, a valve assembly adapted to pass through thelwell pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a tubularbody slidably mounted in saidshell bore and provided with a lateral port, said valve assembly also including a tubular plunger slidably mounted within said valve body and provided with a lateral port, said lateral ports in said -shell,-valve body, and valve plunger being movable into registry to permit flow of fluid from within the retainer case below the housing through ment of said sleeve is 'efiective to move said valve plunger axially with respect to said valve body. v

6. A well tester comprisingin combination: a housing adapted'to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary re tainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, the retainer case having a shell provided with an axial bore, selectively, operable means normally preventing but operable to permit axial movement and rotation of said housing relative to said retainer case, a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass throughthe well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a body and a co-axial sleeve connected for relative rotary. movement, the body being 'slidablyreceived in said axial bore, releasable means for securing said sleeve to said housing, means for holding said body from turning relative to said retainer case, said valve asembly alsohaving a tubular valve plunger forming a sliding seal within said valve body, axial movement 'of said housing serving to move said .valve body axially with respect to said retainer case bore, said valve body movement for controlling .flow of fluid from the interior of said retainer case below said housing to the interior of said'va'lve plunger, and means including a screw and nut whereby turning movement of said sleeve is effective to move said valve plunger axially with respect'to said valve body.

7. A well tester comprising, in combination: a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non rotary retainer case mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, the retainer case having a shell provided with an axial bore, selectively operable means normally preventing but operable to permit rotation and axial movement of said housing relative to. said retainer case, a retrieva'ble valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a body and a co-axial sleeve connected for relative'rotary movement, the body being slidably received in said axial bore, means for connecting the sleeve to turn with said housing, means for holding said body from turning relative to said retainer case, said valve assembly also having a sectional hollow mandrel mounted within and movable axially with respect to said sleeve and said body, said sectional hollow mandrel including a tubular valve plunger slidably mounted in said body, said shell and said body and said plunger having lateral ports alignable and disalignable by axial movement, said lateral ports when in alignment permitting flow of fluid from the interior of said retainer case to the interior of said hollow mandrel, thread means whereby turning movement of said sleeve is effective to move said valve plunger axially relative to said valve body, and means for moving said body axially with respect to said shell.

3. A well tester comprising, in combination: a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, at non-rotary retainer case mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a valve body and a co-axial valve sleeve connected for relative rotary movement, said valve assembly also having a sectional hollow mandrel mounted within and movable axially with respect to said sleeve and said body, said sectional hollow mandrel including a tubular valve plunger mounted to slide within said valve body, means preventing relative turning movement of said valve body and said valve plunger, said valve body and said valve plunger having lateral ports alignable and disalignable by axial movement for controlling flow of fluid into the interior of said sectional hollow mandrel, a control screw fixed relative to said valve plunger, a rotary nut engaging said control screw, spline means on said sleeve for rotating said out to move said valve plunger axially relative to said valve body, said sectional hollow mandrel including a stem mounted for axial movement relative to said sleeve, and including a setting mandrel element positioned between said valve plunger and said stem, means actuated by axial movement of said stem and setting mandrel element for releasably securing said sleeve to said housing and for moving said nut axially along said spline means, and means operable upon predetermined axial travel of said nut for securing it against axial movement with respect to said sleeve.

9. A well tester comprising, in combination: a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, selectively operable means normally preventing but operable to permit rotation of said housing relative to said retainer case, a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a valve body and a co-axial valve sleeve connected for relative rotary movement, means for connecting said valve sleeve to turn with said housing, means for holding said valve body from turning relative to said retainer case, said valve assembly also having a sectional hollow mandrel mounted within and movable axially with respect to said sleeve and said body, said sectional hollow mandrel including a tubular valve plunger mounted to slide within said valve body, means preventing relative turning movement of said valve body and said valve plunger, said valve body and said valve plunger having lateral ports alignable and disalignable by axial movement for controlling flow of fluid into the interior of said sectional hollow mandrel, a control screw fixed relative to said valve plunger, a rotary nut engaging said control screw, spline means on said sleeve for rotating said nut to move said valve plunger axially relative to said valve body, and means for moving said nut axially along said spline means, and means operable upon predetermined axial travel of said nut for securing it against axial movement with respect to said sleeve.

10. A well tester comprising, in combination: a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, selectively operable means normally preventing but operable to permit rotation of said housing relative to said retainer case, a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a valve body and a coaxial valve sleeve connected for relative rotary movement, means for connecting said valve sleeve to turn with said housing, means for holding said valve body from turning relative to said retainer case, said valve assembly also having a sectional hollow mandrel mounted within and movable axially with respect to said sleeve and said body, said sectional hollow mandrel including a tubular valve plunger mounted to slide within said valve body, means preventing relative turning movement of said valve body and said valve plunger, said valve body and said valve plunger having lateral ports alignable and disalignable by axial movement for controlling flow of fluid into the interior of said sectional hollow mandrel, a control screw fixed relative to said valve plunger, a rotary nut engaging said control screw, spline means on said sleeve for rotating said nut to move said valve plunger axially relative to said valve body, said sectional hollow mandrel including a stem mounted for axial movement relative to said sleeve for moving said nut axially along said spline means, and means operable upon predetermined axial travel of said nut for securing it against axial movement with respect to said sleeve.

11. A well tester comprising, in combination, a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, selectively operable means for permitting axial movement and rotation of said housing relative to said retainer case, said means including lugs on the retainer case and a tubular member mounted on the housing having J-slots receiving said lugs, a thrust bearing on the housing, a spring interposed between said tubular member and said thrust bearing, disengageable torque transmitting parts on said tubular member and said housing separable upon compression of said spring to permit rotation of said housing on said thrust bearing, a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass through the Well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly having a first part releasably secured to said housing and a second part engaging said retainer case.

12. A well tester comprising, in combination, a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, selectively operable means for permitting axial movement and rotation of said housing relative to said retainer case, said means including lugs on the retainer case and a tubular member mounted on the housing having .T-slots receiving said lugs, a thrust bearing on the housing, a spring interposed between said tubular member and said thrust bearing, torque transmitting parts on said tubular member and said housing separable upon compression of said spring to permit rotation of said housing on said thrust bearing, a retrievable assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a body and a co-axial sleeve connected for relative rotary movement, releasable means for securing said sleeve to said housing, means for holding said body from turning relative to said retainer case, said valve assembly also having a tubular valve plunger forming a sliding seal within said valve body, axial movement of said housing serving to move said valve body axially, said valve body and said valve plunger having lateral ports alignable and disalignable for controlling flow of fluid into the interior of said valve plunger, and threaded means whereby turning movement of said sleeve is effective to move said valve plunger axially with respect to said valve body to align and disalign said ports.

13. For use with a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe and a non-rotary retainer case mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, and selectively operable means normally preventing but operable to permit rotation of said housing relative to said retainer case, the improvement comprising: a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within the housing, said valve assembly including a valve body and a co-axial valve sleeve connected for rela- 11 t tive rotary movement, means for releasably securing said valve sleeve to said housing, means on said valve body forming a sliding seal within a portion of the retainer case, means for holding said valve body from turning relative to the retainer case, said valve assembly also having a tubular valve plunger mounted to slide within said valve body, means preventing relative turning movement of said valve body and said valve plunger, said valve body and said valve plunger having lateral ports alignable and disalignable by axial movement for controlling flow of fluid into the interior of said valve plunger, a control screw fixed relative to said valve' plunger, a rotary nutengaging said control screw, and b means on saidsleeve for rotating said nut to move said retainer case, the improvement comprising: a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within the housing, said valve assembly including a valve body and a co-axial valve sleeve coni nected for relative rotary movement, means for releasably securing said valve sleeve to the housing, means on said valve body forming a sliding seal within a portion of the retainer case, means for holding said valve body from turning relative to the retainer case, said valve assembly also having a tubular valve plunger mounted to slide within said valve body, means preventing relative turning movement of said valve body and said valve plunger, said valve body and said valve plunger having lateral ports alignable and disalignable by axial movement for controlling flow of fluid into the interior of said valve plunger, a control screw fixed relative to said valve plunger, a rotary nut engaging said control screw, spline means on said' sleeve for rotating said nut 'to move said valve plunger axially relative tosaid valve body, and means including a stem mounted for axial movement relative to said sleeve for moving said nut axially along said spline means and for moving said valve plunger axially of said valve body. 7

15. For use with a housing adapted to be to a well pipe and a non-rotary retainer. case mounted on said housing and extending below the housing,.and

selectively operable means normally preventing but opconnected cluding a valve body and a co-axial valve sleeve connected for relative rotary movement, means for connecting said valve sleeve to turn with the housing, means for holding said valve body from turning relative to the retainer case, said valve assembly also having a tubular valve plunger mounted to slide within said valve body, means preventing relative turning movement of said valve body and saidvalve plunger, said valve body and said valve plunger having lateral ports alignable and disalignable by axial movement for controlling flow of fluid into the interior of said valve plunger, a control screw fixed relative to said valve plunger, 'airotary nut engaging said control screw, means on said sleeve for rotating said nut to move said valve plunger axially relative to said valve body, the valve body having a relief port opened by movement ofsaid valve plunger to connect the interior of the valve plunger to the interior of said retainer case. I V

17. A well tester comprising, incombinationi a housing adapted'to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, the retainer case having a shell provided 'with an axial bore, selectively operable means for controlling movement of said housing relative to said retainer case, a retrievablevalve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a body forming a sliding seal within said shell bore, said valve body and said to seat within the housing, said valve assembly includa ing a valve body and a co-axial valve sleeve connected for relative rotary movement, means for connecting said valve sleeve to turn with the housing, means for holding said valve body from turning relative to the retainer case, said valve assembly also having a sectional hollow mandrel mounted within and movable axially with respect to said sleeve and said body, said sectional hollow man-j drel including a tubular valve plunger mounted to slide within said valve body, means preventing relative turning movement of said valve body and said valve plunger,

valve plunger, -a rotary nut engaging said control screw,

spline meanson said sleeve for rotating said nut to move said valve plunger axially relative to said valve body,

shell having tester ports for controlling flow of fluid into the interiorof said valve body, means for moving said 'valve body axially in response to downward movement of said housing relative to said retainer case to move said tester ports into registry, said housing and said retainer case having lateral ports above said valve assembly aligned retainer case telescopically mounted onsaid housing and extending below the housing, the retainer case having a shell provided-with an axial bore, J-slot and lug means for controlling movement of said housing relative to said retainer case, a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a body forming a sliding seal within said shell bore, said valve body and said shell having tester ports for controlling flow of fluid into the interior of said valve body, means forrnoving said valve body axially inresponse to downward movement of said housing relative to said retainer case to move said tester ports into-registry,1 said housing and said retainer case having ports aligned by additional downward movement of said housing to permit'flow from outside to inside the well pipe above said valve assembly. 1

19. A well tester comprising, in combination: a -hous ing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, selectively operable means normally preventing but operable to permit rotation of said housing relative to said retainer case, a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and said sectional hollow mandrel including a stem mounted for axial movement relative to said sleeve for moving said nut axially along said spline meansand for moving said on said housing and extending below the housing, and

to seat within said housing, said valve' assembly includ-.

ing a valve body and a co-axial valve sleeve connected for relative rotary movement, means for holding said valve body from turning relative to said retainer case, said valve assembly also having a sectional hollow mandrel mounted Within and movable axially with respect to said sleeve and said body, means actuated by axial movement of a member of said sectional hollow mandrel for release ably securing said sleeve to said housing, said sectional hollow mandrel including a movable member and a Control screw, a rotary nut engaging said control screw, means on said sleeve for rotating said nut to move said control screw axially of said valve body to cause the said member to release said sleeve from said housing.

20. A well tester comprising, in combination: a housing adapted to be connected to a well pipe, a non-rotary retainer case telescopically mounted on said housing and extending below the housing, selectively operable means normally preventing but operable to permit rotation of said housing relative to said retainer case, a retrievable valve assembly adapted to pass through the well pipe and to seat within said housing, said valve assembly including a valve body and a co-axial valve sleeve connected for relative rotary movement, means for holding said valve body from turning relative to said retainer case, said valve assembly also having a sectional hollow mandrel mounted within and movable axially with respect to said sleeve and said body, said sectional hollow mandrel including a tubular member, means actuated by the tubular member for releasably securing said sleeve to said housing, said sectional hollow mandrel also including a tubular valve plunger mounted to slide within said valve body, means preventing relative turning movement of said valve body and said valve plunger, said valve body and said valve plunger having lateral ports alignable and disalignable by axial movement for controlling flow of fluid into the interior of said sectional hollow mandrel, a control screw fixed relative to said valve plunger, a rotary nut engaging said control screw, means on said sleeve for rotating said nut to move said valve plunger axially of said valve body to move said ports out of registry and to cause the said tubular member to release said sleeve from said housing.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,806,539 9/57 Green et al. 166-226 2,949,963 8/60 McGowen et a1. 166-224 2,951,536 9/60 Garrett 166-45 X CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner. 

17. A WELL TESTER COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A HOUSING ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO A WELL PIPE, A NON-ROTARY RETAINER CASE TELESCOPICALLY MOUNTED ON SAID HOUSING AND EXTENDING BELOW THE HOUSING, THE RETAINER CASE HAVING A SHELL PROVIDED WITH AN AXIAL BORE, SELECTIVELY OPERABLE MEANS FOR CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF SAID HOUSING RELATIVE TO SAID RETAINER CASE, A RETRIEVABLE VALVE ASSEMBLY ADAPTED TO PASS THROUGH THE WELL PIPE AND TO SEAT WITHIN SAID HOUSING, SAID VALVE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A BODY FORMING A SLIDING SEAL WITHIN SAID SHELL BORE, SAID VALVE BODY AND SAID SHELL HAVING TESTER PORTS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW OF FLUID INTO THE INTERIOR OF SAID VALVE BODY, MEANS FOR MOVING SAID VALVE BODY AXIALLY IN RESPONSE TO DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF SAID HOUSING RELATIVE TO SAID RETAINER CASE TO MOVE SAID TESTER PORTS INTO REGISTRY, SAID HOUSING AND SAID RETAINER CASE HAVING LATERAL PORTS ABOVE SAID VALVE ASSEMBLY ALIGNED BY ADDITIONAL DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF SAID HOUSING TO PERMIT FLOW FROM OUTSIDE TO INSIDE THE WELL PIPE ABOVE SAID VALVE ASSEMBLY. 